​THE government has abandoned plans to build the nation’s $277 million national stadium at Burns Creek, East Honiara in preparation for the 2023 Pacific Games.

Instead, planners have trained their eyes on the Solomon Islands National University’s (SINU) sports grounds on the foothills of the Panatina Campus as well as the adjoining King George VI School sports field.

It is understood a Government committee which was tasked to find a suitable site for the Games has encountered difficulties with settlers at Burns Creek as well as the cost associated with resettling them elsewhere.

SINU officials have confirmed in recent weeks that the government is interested in developing the SINU-KG VI School sports fields for the Games, which Solomon Islands is hosting in 2023.

Details of how the government will undertake the project remain sketchy.

The cost of building the national stadium and associated facilities is estimated at SBD277 million (about USD36 million).

It is understood the government would unveil its plans for the development of the stadium when it begins formal negotiations with SINU Council members later this year.

Those familiar with the project say they expect negotiations with SINU to begin in earnest although there’s been no formal approach to date.

Taiwan has indicated funding support for the national stadium.

Despite the support, no firm figures in terms of funding have been announced.

Apart from assurance from Taipei, a high-powered delegation led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, last July returned empty-handed. The Islands Sun